KUFC Code of Conduct

Player Code of Conduct

As a player you are a representative of Knox United Football Club and also your respective team. As such, there are expectations as to how you conduct yourself at trainings, games and club events. This code of conduct shall apply to all players registered with Knox United Football Club. Any breach of this Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Executive Committee including and up to de-registration with the Club. 

• I will play by the FIFA established rules of the game
• I will not argue with a match official regarding the decisions they make. If I disagree with a decision, I will speak to my captain, coach or manager for the incident to be escalated after the game.
• I will not participate in any form of verbal or physical abuse towards any official, player, coaching staff, volunteer or spectator of either team as it will not be tolerated. 
• I will treat all players in the sport as I like to be treated and will not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor or player.
• I will cooperate and respect the coach(s), manager(s) and team members of my team
• I will not arrive to the field for training or a game intoxicated and will not consume alcohol at junior (U6 – U18) games or trainings.
• I will display modesty in victory and graciousness in defeat and will display good sportsmanship at all times.
• I will not use any banned substance or drugs of dependence that may impact on my ability to play to my capacity and in accordance with this Code. 
• I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people involved in the game regardless of their gender, ability and cultural background.
• I will not discriminate based on gender, race or religion.
• I will play for the fun of it and not just to appease parents and coaches.  
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Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

As a Parent/Guardian of you are a representative of Knox United Football club and your respective team. As such there are expectations as to how you conduct yourself at trainings, games and club events. This code of conduct shall apply to parents and guardians. Any breach of this Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Executive Committee including and up to and including being banned from attending future games or Club events.  

• I will not Coach players during training sessions and games (unless requested by the Club Coach Coordinator). This is the coach’s role; it sends mixed messages to the players. 
• I will not interfere with training sessions and stay clear of training areas. 
• I will cheer on and encourage the players at all times, even the opposition, applaud good football all-round. 
• Winning at all costs isn’t everything, we’re here to develop the players, and at this stage learning is more important than winning. 
• I will remember that the players are playing sport for their enjoyment, not ours. 
• I will focus on the player’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing. 
• I will encourage players to always participate according to the rules. 
• I will never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or losing a game. 
• I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. 
• I will show appreciation of coaches, officials and administrators, respecting officials’ decisions and encouraging players to do likewise. 
• I will respect the decision of the match officials and the FIFA established laws of the game.

Spectators Code of Conduct

Knox United Football Club’s priority is to ensure all spectators are able to enjoy football in a safe and comfortable environment. Accordingly, by attending games, you agree to be bound by the terms of this code of conduct. Any breach of this Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Executive Committee up to and including being banned from attending future games or Club events, if necessary incidents will be reported to NSFA and NSW Police.

• Respect the decisions of the Match Officials; 
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their race, colour, religion, language, ability, politics, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin; 
• Not engage in the use of violence in any form, whether it is by other Spectators, Team Officials (including coaches) or Players; 
• Not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form, including but not limited to the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence, or indecent or racist chanting; 
• Not carry, light or throw flares or missiles (including on to the field of play or at other spectators); 
• Not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority; and
• Conduct themselves in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of KUFC and football generally. 

Coaches/Managers Code of Conduct

As a Coach/Manager of you are an ambassador and representative of Knox United Football club and also your respective team. As such there are expectations as to how you conduct yourself at trainings, games and club events. This code of conduct shall apply to Coaches and Managers. Any breach of this Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Executive Committee including and up to and including being banned from attending future games or review of Coaching or Volunteer service agreement.

• I will remember that players and officials participate for their enjoyment
• I will not argue with a match official if I disagree with a decision, if would like clarification I will request respectfully.
• I will never engage in offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures towards an official, coach, player or spectator/parent.
• I respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background and/or religion
• I will not enter the field of play unless requested by an official, abiding by the laws of the game.
• I will not engage in social media, forums, blogs or other electronic media to comment on teams, players, coaches, match officials or spectators/parents
• I will ensure the players safety is always a priority
• I will fulfil the mandatory Child Protection requirements.

Club Code of Conduct

Knox United Football Club’s will ensure the Club’s, NSFA’s and FNSW standards and policies are upheld throughout the year. If a breach of this Code of Conduct has been identified disciplinary action by the Executive Committee may be executed. If necessary incidents will be reported to NSFA and NSW Police. 

• The club will provide an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for every child and player exclusive of race, gender, ability or any other factor. That will include suitable facilities, equipment and personnel.
• The club will provide coaches, managers and committee members of suitable quality. That includes a minimum level of coaching qualification in addition to all required police checks and Working With Children checks. Coaches will be part of an ongoing coach education program, with a commitment to continual coach improvement. However, as some parents may wish to coach, the club will seek and encourage and support participation in coaching roles.
• The club will provide a clear structure of management for any parent queries. Initial queries to be addressed to the coach who will be supported by: 1. Manager, 2. Club Coach Coordinator, 3. Club Committee, 4. Club President, in that order.
• Coaches, managers and committee members will conduct themselves in a professional and positive manner, always focusing on player enjoyment and development before results.

If a breach of the Code of Conduct has been identified please notify the club at knoxunited@hotmail.com, the club may take disciplinary action against the reported person or group.

There is a full disciplinary procedure set out in the NSFA Grievance and Discipline regulations of competition. In addition to these, the club may decide to take further action if deemed necessary in severe circumstances. The club, parent and player will work together to ensure all players are aware of the standards of behaviour expected. The Club may pass on NSFA fines on to players if their behaviour has been deemed reckless and/or has breached this code, or excessive yellow or red cards have been accrued.

Most importantly every player agrees to enjoy playing. Don’t ever forget that’s what this is all about.
Have fun everyone.

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